Obituary of Leon H. Frank

Reverend Leon H. Frank, Jr. Reverend Leon H. Frank, Jr., of Binghamton (formerly of Vestal): On November 5, 2013, God welcomed Reverend Leon H. Frank, Jr. into Heaven with a loving "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23) Leon was born on November 29, 1926 in Johnson City, NY. He will be deeply missed by his family and many others whose lives he touched through his ministry, fellowship, and friendship. He leaves behind a legacy of good works and kindness, inspiration and teachings, story-telling and humor. Leon was predeceased by his loving wife and partner of 67 years, Dorothy M. Frank. He is survived by five children and their spouses: Leon Frank III and wife Rebecca of Hunt Valley, MD; Sheryl Powers and husband James of Oakhurst, NJ; Robert Frank and wife Beverly of Linwood, NJ; Sandra Cooper and husband Donald of South New Berlin, NY; and Richard Frank and wife Dianne of Turin, Italy. He was the adored "Grandpa" of his nine grandchildren: Patrick Frank; Jennifer Dellomo; Colby and Kyle Cooper; Kelsie, Karen and Kristin Frank; and Rebecca and Sophia Frank. Leon had the blessing of seven great-grandchildren: Lina and Joey Dellomo; Slayton, Tessa, and Charlotte Cooper; and Kyle and Cate Cooper. Leon was predeceased by one great-granddaughter, Skye Lyon Cooper. Leon is survived by his sister, Alice Tashjian of Minneapolis, MN, with whom he recently traveled to Armenia, the homeland of their parents. He was also predeceased by his brother, Edward Frank of Berlin, NJ. Leon dedicated his life to serving the Lord, his country, his family, and his community. He was a 1944 graduate of Johnson City High School and served in the Pacific during World War II with the U.S. Army. Leon owned a dry cleaning business from 1945 until 1970 while earning his B.S. from SUNY Binghamton in 1968. He became a lay minister in 1963. At age 47, Leon attended the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. and, for 2 years, traveled weekly between seminary studies and Vestal, NY to preach. He received his Master of Divinity in 1977. In 1979, Leon was appointed a full time pastor and was ordained Elder in 1981. Pastor Leon was truly blessed to be able to serve the congregations of Lisle Federated Church and the Nanticoke, Wesley, Calvary, Thompson, Starrucca, Ararat, Lake Como, Shehawken, and Whittemore Hill United Methodist Churches. He was the minister at Abbott West Chenango United Methodist Church at the time of his death. A memorial service will be held at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 3505 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 9. The family will receive friends in the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity or church of choice in memory of Rev. Leon H. Frank, Jr. The family extends its sincere appreciation to the medical staff, especially Dr. Amanda Finney, at UHS Wilson Medical Center, and to all those who cared for Leon and offered prayers in his final days.